The production company that brought the world “Jersey Shore” and “Party Down South” has a new owner. “American Idol” producers FremantleMedia has acquired a majority stake in 495 Productions, further strengthening its North American operation. Also read: Vice and Fremantle to Launch Online Food Network 495, founded in 2006 by SallyAnn Salsano, has also produced series such as Spike TV's “Tattoo Nightmares,” MTV's dating series “Friendzone” and “Repo Games,” as well as numerous “Jersey Shore” spinoffs. “495 Productions is undeniably one of the Us's leading reality production companies with a unique approach to formatted character-driven reality shows which have proved compelling TV in.
- 3/26/2014
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
The consolidation of independent unscripted production companies continues, with FremantleMedia buying a 75% stake in SallyAnn Salsano‘s 495 Prods. with the option to acquire the remaining 25%g in the future. Founded in 2006 by Salsano, 495 Prods. is behind such unscripted series as MTV’s Jersey Shore and spinoffs Snooki And Jwoww, The Show With Vinny and The Pauly D Project; Spike TV’s Tattoo Nightmares, which FremantleMedia distributes internationally, and Repo Games; MTV’s dating show Friendzone and the daytime syndicated talk show The Real. The company also produces Jerks With Cameras for MTV, Tattoos After Dark for Oxygen and Cmt breakout hit Party Down South. “Our ambition is to continue to grow 495 Productions in the U.S. and to broaden its global footprint even further through our extensive distribution and production network,” FremantleMedia CEO Cécile Frot-Coutaz said. This is the latest in a rash of acquisitions involving U.S. and European indie production companies.
- 3/26/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
MTV owes a debt of gratitude to SallyAnn Salsano. Salsano, the founder and president of 495 Productions, has given MTV the Holy Grail of reality shows, “Jersey Shore.” Now, her most recent show, “FriendZone,” is on its second season. Everyone eventually goes through the “friend zone” stage, and the idea for “FriendZone” came during Salsano’s own experience with dreaded relationship stage. “I actually came up with this show while I was in the friend zone,” she said. “The kicker was that I was 35.” Her other motivation for creating the show came from seeing others struggle with the conundrum of whether to tell their crush about their feelings. “Some people [ Read More ]...
- 5/27/2012
- by monique
- ShockYa
MTV is taking its relationship with FriendZone and The Substitute to the next level. The network has picked up both rookie series for second seasons at 20 episodes a piece. Both unscripted programs skew young, with a median age of 20 and 77% in the 12-34 demographic, and are aimed primarily at female teens. Video: MTV's 'Jersey Shore' Boss SallyAnn Salsano Introduces 'FriendZone' FriendZone, executive produced by Jersey Shore boss SallyAnn Salsano and Joel Zimmer, follows real teens as they try to turn the tables on their best friends, jeopardizing friendships in the hopes of pursuing a romantic relationship.
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- 12/15/2011
- by Sophie A. Schillaci
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On MTV's newest reality offering, "Friendzone," cameras stand by as long-time friends try to take their relationship to the next level -- and sometimes crash and burn. Zap2it talked to producer (and "Jersey Shore" creator) SallyAnn Salsano about the show's inspiration (her own life) and why this may be her favorite project yet.
"This happens at every age," says Salsano. "I'm 36 years old and I was in the friend zone last year. I was like do I say something or do I not? Am I crazy? Am I that weird girl. It's like you don't know."
And, no, we won't see Salsano's own story on the show.
Here's how it works: Each week, we meet someone who has a crush on a close -- often best -- friend. That person, with the help of "Friendzone," asks the object of their affection for help preparing for a blind date. But,...
"This happens at every age," says Salsano. "I'm 36 years old and I was in the friend zone last year. I was like do I say something or do I not? Am I crazy? Am I that weird girl. It's like you don't know."
And, no, we won't see Salsano's own story on the show.
Here's how it works: Each week, we meet someone who has a crush on a close -- often best -- friend. That person, with the help of "Friendzone," asks the object of their affection for help preparing for a blind date. But,...
- 11/8/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
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